Avenue of the Volcanoes

3 Days

The German geographer Alexander von Humboldt, who according to Charles Darwin was the greatest scientific traveller who ever lived, is the brains behind the denomination ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes. This three-day getaway tour is packed with indispensable volcano experiences. Travellers will visit the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano, the azure-coloured lagoon Quilotoa and then Ecuador’s adventure capital, Baños. This is one of the most complete experiences we offer in the Andes.

Price	505 USD per person
Private Trip	On this private trip, you’ll have our expert guide + transportation all to yourself and your travel party. Some activities have their own specialized guide on site. During those experiences, other travelers might also join your travel group, depending on the season.
Departure & Return	This trip starts and ends in Quito. Please contact us if your hotel is located in the valleys or the airport area as there might be a small extra fee.
Accomodation	We care about responsible tourism and supporting local businesses. We’ve hand-picked small, comfortable tourist class hotels, run by friendly locals. The hotels have passed the Takiri tests and include private bathrooms.
Included	Hotel accommodations Activities as mentioned Equipment for activities Our expert local guides 24/7 support. Meals: 2 x breakfast, 2 x lunch, 1 x dinner Private transportation
Excluded	Travel insurance Meals not mentioned

Day 1: Hiking up an active volcano and horseback riding

Leave Ecuador’s bustling capital, Quito, behind for a three-day trip through the magical Andes region.

Upon arrival at the Cotopaxi National Park, you’ll hike up to reach the cosy mountain hut at an altitude of 4,800 meters (15,750 ft). It is only a walking distance of 1 km (0.62 mi) but ascending 200 m (656 ft) so it will take about one hour.

Afterwards, it is time to refill those energy levels with a hearty lunch at our local hacienda while witnessing the Cotopaxi north face through the panoramic windows.
In the afternoon, you will go on an exciting 2 hour horseback ride through the national park with a Chagra (a local horseback rider).

Meals included: Lunch and dinner

Day 2: Crater lake and relaxing at the volcano hot springs

Today we’re visiting the imploded Quilotoa Crater Lake. Its peak collapsed, forming a strikingly gorgeous, azure-coloured lagoon inside its caldera.

You will go on a short hike down to the shores of the lake. Here you will have a chance to do some kayaking (optional) before you start making your way back up.
As we gradually descend towards the gateway of the Amazon and the capital of adventure, Baños, we will head towards an indigenous area. Where you will learn fundamental insights into the life of rural indigenous communities.
Late afternoon we’re heading to one of the greatest spots for a relaxing evening with a magnificent view, a mountain hot spring on the slopes of the volcano. We’ll be there at the ideal moment to enjoy a picture-perfect sunset over the valley.
Dinner at the restaurant is optional but recommended!

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 3: Adrenaline rush in the gateway to the Amazon

Get ready for an adrenaline-rushed morning. Choose one of three activities:

White-water rafting down a local river – this is class III (intermediate) rafting, with plenty of excitement for newbies and for people with some rafting experience under their belt.
Canyoning – jump, and rappel down the pristine Rio Blanco waterfalls, surrounded by a green cloud forest.
Ziplining – get a bird’s eye view across 2,000 meters (6,560 ft) of the green cloud forest.

We’ll be back in town in the early afternoon. The next few hours are yours to explore this adventure capital however your heart desires.
We have a list of exhilarating recommendations we can provide to you on the day, like the swing to the end of the world, which has a spectacular view of the Tungurahua Volcano.
Mid-afternoon we’re heading back to Quito and will be arriving during the evening to drop you back at your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch